Scott’s Play Shunts Bryant Aside

Kobe Bryant, the starting shooting guard four games ago, is suddenly at third string, a move that comes from a combination of the play of Byron Scott and with Eddie Jones returning to the backcourt as the Lakers face a series of opponents with big lineups.

Bryant did not play Tuesday at Houston, the first time he has been held out of a game since Jan. 16, and he has gotten only 10 minutes in the last three outings. He’s shooting 32.9% his last 11 appearances, while Scott is at 52.9% in his last eight.

“It’s really kind of made it hard to keep Kobe Bryant in the lineup,” Coach Del Harris said, adding: “Byron has played so well I can’t get him out.”

Not even when it’s time to name a starter? Harris had said that when Jones went to small forward, matchups willing, Bryant would be his man at shooting guard. But he also said that several games ago, so Scott could get the call at the next opportunity. Or, Harris could keep Jones in the backcourt and go with George McCloud.

“I want him to do well,” Scott said of Bryant. “I really love that kid. But you want to play yourself.”

This much is sure: Jones will be at guard for the Lakers’ next game, Thursday at Washington, because the Bullets use 6-9 Juwan Howard at small forward.